what I've been working on

I'm sure you guessed it, I was working on more appliqued phoebes.  I wanted to try something a little different this time.  The cooler temps and lower humidity we've been experiencing down here have influenced my fabric choices.  One bag is made from wool and the other is corduroy.  I'm all about cozy and warm, not that it is actually cool enough to wear those fabrics.  I guess if you can't wear them on your body, wearing them on a bag is the next best thing.

I really like the pops of color against such wintry fabrics.  To carry that theme further, I chose to line both bags with fun prints that mimicked the colors on the outside.

The red bag is very similar to the first, with the addition a few more flowers, but the wool one is quite different. 

This design happened by accident, but I like how it turned out.  I have a few more designs with the "leaves" that I'd like to try out, but I couldn't find the right base fabric to put them on.  I guess I'll have to wait on that one.  Both of these should be in my shop some time this weekend.

I also started on a new skirt, teal with black.  My first thought was to use black thread to do the stitching but after doing one, I didn't like it.  The black thread disappeared.  What's the point of all those stitches if you can't see them?  I switched to white, but it was too stark.  I'm sure I'm being too particular, but the light gray seem just right.  Don't expect this one to be done in a week, I plan to enjoy this one.  Stitching in my down time, my new favorite way to relax.

The sickness seems to be lifting from my household, thank goodness.  I'm ready to be back to normal, crazy schedule and all!  Have a great weekend!

Comments

[molly]

i adore those bags! i've been sketching up some designs to put applique on wool scarves - you've really got my wheels turning now. and i love your new skirt in progress! i've got to check out that book.

[Laurel]

Love the bags they are awesome!!! I love the grey thread with the teal and black!!!! I am guessing it will be a winter favorite once it is finished:) I am glad that everyone is on the mend!

[Hashi]

Love the bags. And the skirt.

[Becky]

I love love love those bags. Adorable. Especially the cordoroy one. love it!

[brit]

Oh my goodness LOOOOOOVEE THEM...

[Liz]

Oh wow! I LOVE them! You're so creative and talented! It's so fun to read your blog and see all the pretty things you make.

[Rebecca]

I love corduroy! Love the idea of these bags!

Rebecca of the R&W Gals

[bernice]

The bags are to-die-for! Lucky for me, I think I have some red corduroy hanging around too!

[qsogirl]

all your projects in this post are so pretty!! you've inspired me to request the Alabama Stitch book from the library so i can try my hand at a skirt like yours. i'm a sucker for cute skirts! and yours is fabulous, and i'm sure this one is going to be wonderful, too. i really like your choice of grey thread.

[Holly]

Ooh, you know, I could really see a raindrop sort of shape similar to the design you did on the wool (brown? my computer makes it hard to see the color on that one well) bag. Pretty blues against a deep gray...just like our Seattle sky in November...

I love these, they are among my very favorites of your bags.

[the cookie cutter]

Gosh, you are so creative!!

[Cherrie]

I like the way you have used many fabrics for your leaves. I tend to use just one but this has a fun look too. Cherrie

[Isa]

these are gorgeous!

[Beth]

I love corduroy and it makes a great looking bag!!

[Qutecowgirl]

I just made my first Phoebe yesterday and I am so in love with it! Thank You for such a great pattern! I am already thinking about which fabric to use next = ) Now maybe I can get the courage to make your other patterns I have bought..... (really bad picture on my blog, it has been rainy the past 2 days)

[Jennifer]

These are gorgeous - I love the corduroy! So, so pretty!

[Lia]

I just love those leaves/ flowers. I have every intention of trying to copy your pillows over winter break. May I ask...do you iron them on first or just go for it? Any tips for sewing a circle that is actually circular (I have visions of mine coming out oval-ish).

[Tonya Richard]

I have found the applique love, currently making a pillow from Sew Mama Sew's scrapbuster tutorial. May use some of your ideas as well. You always have the best ideas!

[laura]

Woonderfulll i love the red one.....i like so much...also the brown is really nice but for me i preffer the red....
It is really really a good job!!!
Laura

[TheCluelessCrafter]

Yeah! If that turned out by accident, then I've got a lot of great crafts coming your way.

For now, I'll stick to mushroom hunting in Central Park as my best "accident" yet. You should have seen the people staring at me!